Have you ever actually wondered what teachers read for fun? Well, in order to answer this question, I have interviewed three wonderful Rosary teachers from different departments: Mrs. Hunt of the science department, Mr. Bevins of the English department, and Mrs. Jenkins of the history department. They all provided recommendations of what they like to read in their free time. If you’re interested in finding the answer to this age-old question, take a look at these highly recommended titles.

When asked about books she would recommend, Mrs. Hunt didn’t know where to start but ultimately decided on some of her go-to novels:

“I highly recommend ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.’  The story follows the four Pevensie siblings as they travel through a Wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia. Their adventures there are fantastic! If you don’t know who Mr. Tumnus and Aslan are, you are missing out!

The entire 7 book ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ collection is amazing! I have read the series many times since my father introduced my brothers and me to the books when we were young. But if you have time to only read one, pick book 2: ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.'”

For someone that in so informed in science, it is interesting to think Mrs. Hunt is a big fan of fantasy novels like the “Narnia” series!

English teacher Mr. Bevins had many books to recommend, and he has certainly included some titles for everyone:

“‘The Lord of the Rings Trilogy’ by J.R.R. Tolkien: These books are perfect for anyone interested in fantasy. The story of Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring fighting the evil Sauron in order to save Middle Earth has many memorable characters and suspense that keeps you reading.

‘The Things They Carried’ by Tim O’Brien: This is for the historical fiction people out there. Tim O’Brien’s ‘The Things They Carried’ is part autobiography, part memoir, and part fiction. O’Brien tells a riveting story of his time fighting in the Vietnam War. This is such an interesting and important part of US history, and this book is an interesting way to learn more about war and America’s past.

‘Homegoing’ by Yaa Gyasi. I just finished it and it is really good. It is ‘Kite Runner’-like but deals with two half-sisters as their paths diverge in Ghana, Africa. One sister marries a British Officer and the other is sold in the slave trade to the United States. The book follows the descendants of the two women. It is really interesting and a terrifying look at slavery in the U.S.”

If you are a fan of historical fiction or fantasy, Mr. Bevins’ recommendations would be a great place to find some some books.

It’s no surprise that Mrs. Jenkins is a fan of historical fiction as a history teacher, and she had this to share: “‘Johnny Tremain’ by Esther Forbes! While the main character, Johnny, is fictional, his story is set during some of the most exciting and important events of pre-Revolutionary America. I read this in 6th grade and it was at that moment that my love for history was sparked. This was the book that made me want to become a History Teacher!”

What an interesting insight into Mrs. Jenkins’ career, and this certainly sounds like a riveting novel.

These highly recommended titles are just a few answers to my question, and are definitely some novels worth taking a look at for readers of many genres.